Ease of Maneuvering and Safety

The Sleipner SE60 bow thruster is one of the most popular models for good reason. With a powerful 60-73 kg of thrust, it offers a degree of control that is a game-changer for narrowboat handling. While some purists may prefer a barge pole, the thruster makes cruising much easier, particularly when battling wind or currents from locks. It also significantly enhances safety, as it reduces the need for people to make risky jumps on and off the boat during mooring.

Installation and Powering

Installing the SE60 in the bow is a reliable solution. For optimal performance and to minimise voltage drop, it’s a good idea to install two 12V batteries wired in series, placed as close as possible to the thruster itself. These batteries can be charged in a couple of ways. One option is to use a local battery charger, but this requires an AC power source. A more convenient alternative for many is to use a DC-to-DC converter like the Victron Orion, which can step down voltage from the main 48V system to charge the 24V thruster batteries.